Unveiled last year, the prize was designed by the famed trophy-makers Thomas Fattorini Ltd, who made the Rugby League Challenge Cup trophy and have worked with FIFA.

Lucky pupils from three Doncaster schools – Town Fields Primary, Bawtry Mayflower and Denaby Main Primary - saw the trophy in person during special assemblies and were able to ask questions about the race to Martin Maltby, president of Doncaster Wheelers Cycle Club.

The prize was set up next to a special ‘Selfie Station’ in the Frenchgate, where shoppers could take a selfie with the trophy and Doncaster professional cyclists Graham Briggs and Tom Stewart in order to win shopping vouchers.

Graham, who will be competing in the race, said: “For the Tour to be coming through Doncaster is really a dream come true.”

Holly Smith, 12, Georgia Hughes, 10 and Jack Smith, 24, pictured at the Tour de Yorkshire display in the Frenchgate.

Martin Maltby, who owns Don Valley Cycles, said: “The enthusiasm has really sparked off, and all the schools seem to be really enthusiastic.

“Everyone that comes into the shop is talking about it. I think it will be fantastic for the town and cycling in general.”

Welcoming the event was Paul Lawson of Windgate Hill in Conisbrough, he said: “I think it’s fantastic and highlights the town.

“It’s an up and coming town and this sort of thing shows that. I think we’ve got a lot to be proud of and we should show it off.”

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Visiting the town from Adelaide in Australia was former Doncaster resident Jack Smith, aged 24, he said: “We have a tour ‘down under’ and it is really popular, I think it will be good for the town.

“People will come from miles and miles to see it, it’s a great idea.”

Foster carer Mel Roebuck, aged 59, of Semonite Road in Rotherham, said he couldn’t wait for his children to watch the race.

He added: “It’s not far from where we live so we will be coming to watch it.